Presidency Finally Backs Fubara Over Wike – ‘He’s APC Leader in Rivers

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has stated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the recognised leader of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, emphasising that former governor Nyesom Wike is not part of the ruling party.

Bwala spoke on Channels Television’s Hard Copy on Thursday amid a political standoff in the state, which has seen the Rivers Assembly begin impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

He said the national chairman’s position is clear: Fubara, not Wike, leads the APC in Rivers.

“I agree with the point highlighted by the national chairman [Nentawe Yilwatda] that in Rivers State, Governor Fubara is the leader of the APC in Rivers State. Wike is not a member of APC, so he cannot speak for the APC.

“He may be the leader of the PDP in Rivers State because he was a former governor and they do not have a governor at the moment, but in APC, the leader of the party in Rivers State is Governor Fubara,” he stated.

According to Bwala, Tinubu supports internal party processes and the rule of law, backing the APC leadership’s stance on the matter.

On the impeachment moves against Fubara, the aide said the party expects that the governor should be allowed to carry out his duties without obstruction.

“There have been orders of court that stopped impeachment. The party is clear. Nobody should stop Fubara from governing the state,” he said.

Bwala also clarified that Wike’s role as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory does not confer party authority. He described Wike as serving the Federal Government, not the APC.

“The President believes in compensating people, but not at the expense of the interest of Nigeria. He will give you latitude and privilege, but not at the expense of what is right,” Bwala said.

He called on all stakeholders to respect constitutional processes, noting that the APC’s recognition of Fubara as party leader has settled the dispute within the state.

Fubara joined the APC in December 2025 after leaving the PDP and has already been endorsed for a second term in 2027.

Lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly recently initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, on grounds of alleged gross misconduct, including claims of financial mismanagement and constitutional breaches.